Welcome to viral pneumonia information source on viralpneumonia! viral pneumonia

Aspiration Pneumonia     Atypical Pneumonia     CMV Pneumonia

Hospital Acquired Pneumonia     Viral Pneumonia Main-Page

viral pneumonia

CMV Pneumonia

What is CMV - Pneumonia . . . Cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that usually occur in people who have a suppressed immune system.

Causes of CMV

CMV pneumonia is caused by a member of a group of herpes-type viruses. Infection with CMV is very common. Most healthy adults have antibodies (indicating previous infection) to CMV in their blood.

Usually CMV produces no symptoms, but serious CMV infections can occur in people with impaired immunity from conditions such as:

In people who have had organ and bone marrow transplants, the risk of infection is greatest 5 - 13 weeks after the transplant.

Symptoms of CMV Pneumonia

Low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxemia) with CMV pneumonia often predicts death, especially in patients who need mechanical ventilation.

Exams and Tests for CMV Pneumonia

Arterial blood gas
Blood culture
Blood tests to detect and measure substances specific to CMV infection
Bronchoscopy with biopsy
Chest x-ray
Urine culture (clean catch)

Treatment for CMV Pneumonia

The objective of treatment is to stop the virus from copying in the body through the use of antiviral drugs. Some people will need to get intravenous medication through a vein. Some people might initially need oxygen therapy and breathing support with a ventilator to maintain oxygen until the infection is brought under control.

Outlook/Prognosis for CMV Pneumonia

Antiviral medications stop the virus from copying itself, but do not destroy it. CMV itself suppresses the immune system, and may increase the risk of other infections due to the additional immunosuppression.

Possible Complications of CMV Pneumonia

Complications of CMV infection in people with AIDS include:

CMV also increases the replication of HIV in people who are infected.

Complications of CMV pneumonia include:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of CMV pneumonia.

Prevention of CMV Pneumonia

The following have been shown to help prevent CMV pneumonia in certain patients:

Preventing AIDS avoids opportunistic diseases, including CMV, that can occur in people who have a damaged or poorly functioning immune system.